Exxel Pharma's EX937: A Promising Advance for Chronic Cough Treatment

Exxel Pharma, based in Aurora, Colorado, announced significant progress in developing EX937, a first-in-class small molecule targeting refractory chronic cough. This condition lacks FDA-approved treatments and presents a global market potential of $11 billion. EX937 inhibits the FAAH enzyme, increasing Anandamide levels to desensitize sensory neurons, reducing cough urges.

Starting in late 2025, Exxel plans a Phase 1/1b study to assess EX937's safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in healthy participants. The study aims to enroll 98 subjects. The molecule's preclinical data highlights efficacy without central nervous system side effects.

Exxel foresees multiple potential indications for EX937, including neuropathic pain and hyperactive bladder, enhancing its commercial prospects. Key milestones include the launch of the Phase 1/1b study and the analysis of initial data over the next 18 months.